How To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Without Breaking the Bank

With household energy bills continuing to rise across the UK, improving your home’s energy efficiency has never been more important.

However, many homeowners worry that making efficiency improvements will be too costly or disruptive.

The reality is that creating a more energy-efficient home doesn’t have to involve major renovations or substantial investments. By implementing a mix of simple adjustments, affordable DIY projects, and smart upgrades, you can significantly lower your energy usage - and your bills - without breaking the bank.

In this article, the experts from Viable Power in Farnham will guide you through practical, budget-friendly ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency while addressing common concerns like costs and ease of implementation.

We’ll also explore solar power, one of the top renewable energy options, explore the costs of installing solar panels, and explain how to find the best local solar panel installers to future-proof your home.

The Growing Need for Energy Efficiency in UK Homes

Energy efficiency means using less energy for the same output, or producing more with the same energy input, and minimising energy waste.

It isn’t just about saving money; it’s about creating a comfortable living environment while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

According to research by experts at Imperial College London, UK homes are among the least energy-efficient in Europe, with significant amounts of heat escaping through our poorly insulated roofs, walls, windows, doors, and floors.

For many families, this inefficiency is felt most acutely during the colder months, as heating systems work overtime to keep draughty homes warm.

Addressing these issues doesn't necessarily mean costly overhauls. Instead, a strategic approach - involving simple adjustments, DIY improvement, and exploring renewable energy like solar panels - can yield results that are both cost-effective and impactful.

Start with Simple, No-Cost Adjustments

The journey toward an energy-efficient home can start with a few behavioural changes. These may seem small, but they add up over time, particularly when combined with other efforts.

For instance, according to The Energy Saving Trust, turning your thermostat down by just 1°C can reduce heating bills by as much as £90 per year. Similarly, turning off appliances at the plug rather than leaving them on standby mode can save around £45 annually. Though these steps may feel insignificant, they are an excellent starting point for reducing energy waste without spending a penny.

Another impactful change is rethinking how you use hot water. Taking shorter showers - ideally, no more than four minutes - can save households up to £128 a year, while washing clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C reduces energy consumption by 38%. Avoiding the tumble dryer whenever possible also makes a difference; air-drying clothes can save up to £60 per year.

Affordable DIY Energy Efficiency Improvements

If you’re willing and able to roll up your sleeves, there are several DIY projects that can make a noticeable difference in your home’s energy efficiency. Many of these solutions require minimal investment and can be completed over a weekend.

Draught-Proofing

Draughts are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss in UK homes. Sealing gaps around windows, doors, and chimneys can dramatically reduce heat loss, making your home more comfortable while cutting heating bills by around £80 annually.

Self-adhesive foam strips, brush strips, and chimney draught excluders are affordable and easy to install yourself. For a finishing touch, consider adding a door sweep to block draughts from under doors.

Loft Insulation

Heat naturally rises, and without proper insulation, much of it escapes through the roof. The Home Improvement Hub states that adding 270mm of loft insulation can reduce heat loss by up to 60%, saving you as much as £250 a year on heating costs.

With mineral wool insulation affordable and widely available, you can offset the cost of insulating an average loft within a year. While installing it is a straightforward process, remember to wear safety gear like goggles and a mask to protect against irritation from the fibres.

Radiator Reflector Panels

If your radiators are mounted on external walls, a significant amount of heat could be escaping through the wall itself. Installing radiator reflector panels redirects heat back into the room, increasing efficiency of your heating system. These panels are inexpensive, easy to fit, and can make noticeable difference in how warm your home feels.

Choosing the Right Energy-Efficient Appliances

When the time comes to replace your appliances, selecting energy-efficient models can lead to substantial long-term savings.

Although these upgrades often require an initial investment, their lower energy consumption quickly offsets the cost, while also reducing your home’s environmental footprint.

Look for appliances with high energy ratings, ideally A models. For example, washing machines with eco-cycle features, refrigerators with energy-saving compressors, and fan-assisted ovens with excellent insulation are all far more efficient than traditional designs.

To maximise your savings, consider replacing your oldest, least efficient appliances first, as these are likely to consume the most energy.

Exploring Renewable Energy: Solar Panels

One of the most effective ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency is by generating your own renewable energy.

Solar panels are an increasingly popular option for UK homeowners, offering both environmental and financial benefits. But how do you know if solar energy is right for your home, how much does it cost to install solar panels, and what steps should you take to get started?

What Are the Benefits of Solar Panels?

Solar PV panels convert sunlight into electricity, allowing you to power your home using clean, renewable energy.

This not only reduces your reliance on the grid but can also significantly lower your energy bills. Homes with solar panels often see a reduction of up to 70% in electricity costs, depending on the size of the system and your energy usage.

Additionally, solar panels can add value to your property and provide a measure of energy independence, protecting you from rising energy prices.

Why Work with Local Experts?

Finding the right solar panel installer is crucial to ensure a safe and effective system installation. If you live in Surrey, for example, seeking out reputable solar panel installers in Farnham can provide you with a tailored assessment of your home’s suitability for solar energy.

At Viable Power, we pride ourselves on offering reliable, efficient, and high-quality solar energy solutions to homeowners in Surrey and beyond. Our expert team is dedicated to installing your solar PV system safely, effectively, and with long-term performance in mind.

Whether you're just starting to explore solar energy or ready to make the switch, you can trust us to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring the best results for your home and your energy savings.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is “how much does it cost to install solar panels?”. It’s estimated that the average UK system costs between £5,000 and £6,000 - although thanks to our economies of scale, many Viable Power customers are able to benefit from installations that fall below this national average.

Although this represents a somewhat significant upfront investment, government-backed initiatives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allow you to sell excess energy back to the grid, helping offset the costs over time.

Prioritising Your Energy Efficiency Efforts

When planning improvements, it’s essential to focus on the most cost-effective measures first. A good strategy is to follow the “Energy Efficiency Hierarchy”:

Reduce energy waste: Start with behavioural changes, such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use.
Minimise energy loss: Address inefficiencies through draught-proofing, insulation, and smart heating practices.
Generate renewable energy: Once you’ve tackled the basics, consider investing in solar panels or other renewable technologies.

By following this framework, you can ensure that your efforts deliver maximum impact without overspending.

Let Viable Power Help You Take the Next Step Toward Energy Efficiency

Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to be expensive or overly complicated. From simple behavioural changes to affordable DIY upgrades and renewable energy solutions like solar panels, there are countless ways to lower your energy usage and save money while reducing your environmental impact.

At Viable Power, we specialise in helping homeowners in Surrey and the surrounding areas make smart, sustainable choices for renewable energy. If you’re considering solar PV panels, our team of expert solar panel installers in Farnham are here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to future-proof your home and take control of your energy bills?

Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how investing in solar PV panels can help you create a greener, more energy-efficient home.